Over the last few days, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the negotiating rights to Pens forwards Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone. They burned a higher round pick to do so, likely a third rounder, but that is not what is startling, and the Bolts gave themselves a real opportunity to sign Roberts and Malone, which apparently they have done already or are close to doing.
And now, crushing my dreams, the Lightning has pulled off a deal for early negotiation rights with Mr. Brian Rolston. Shame.
Really a shame.
What is startling is the realization that the same Lightning franchise just made this same mistake only a few years ago. As you probably remember, Tampa locked up three elite players, Vinny Lecavlier, Brad Richards, and Marty St. Louis. When the salary cap era came along (and we are in its midst right now), Tampa had its entire payroll devoted to three men. Now, they face the issue of how to pay the likes of Lecavlier, St. Louis, Rolston, Stamkos, and the disgustingly overpaid Ryan Malone and Vaclav Prospal. Oh, and I didn't even mention that they have made no commitment to defense, and don't have a proven goalie with much starter experience.
The only difference between the new Lightning is that this team will never win a Cup.
They'll make the playoffs this year, and then dump everything, and everyone, very, very soon.
Good luck to Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts.
I know this is not Pens related. Roberts and Malone are the extent of it.
Go Pens.
Peace.
1 comment:
First.
That's how UFA contracts work ... he had a good season and teams were willing to pay him the big bucks. Malone may not seem like the money fits him but his agent is good and Tampa was anxious ...
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